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In another example of mainstream media adopting a Web 2.0 social media tool for instant breaking news coverage, the San Jose Mercury news announced today that they are looking to partner with Twitterers who are attending the historic Obama inauguration ceremony. Twitter is one of the fastest growing social media sites; Twitter allows users to “broadcast” mini press release 140 character messages. It is a vital breaking news tool for both the mass media and the growing blogosphere. Thank you to Biz Stone, Co-founder of Twitter, for the tip that led to this article.

The Offer

The San Jose Mercury news offer is exposure for any Twitterer attending the inauguration:

1. Exposure Offer #1: According to the paper “You could have your tweets (messages) seen by thousands of Mercurynews.com readers.”

Tip: The “Merc” is asking for a short itinary of your plans for inauguration day. If I were attending, I send in my itinary and make sure it was compelling, interesting, and provided the most exposure for the newspaper.

2. Exposure Offer #2: If you are chosen to “work with” them your Tweets “could be published in the paper.”

Tip: The San Jose Mercury news is the driving force for business news, at the newspaper level, in Silicon Valley. In order for you to have your tweets chosen for publication, I would suggest this approach. Consider the most interesting factors at the inauguration and tweet about them. Identify the historical surroundings, describe the energy, compare it to MLK’s famous speech, be observant of any “celebrities” in the crowd, and provide any breaking news if you can catch it.